Depressing Messages

Back outside the library, I sat on a bench and watched a few cars go by while taking the occasional sip of my drink. I couldn't take it inside and the breeze felt nice and cool on my skin, I could actually enjoy the feeling since there was basically no one around. I put my empty cup on the bench and it blew away as I watched the sky slowly darken.

A beep brought me out of my daydreams, so I looked around but no source was visible.

I picked up the empty cup before it reached the street and threw it in the trash on the way inside. Once more in front of the terminal, I this time searched for some books to read. There was nothing to physically check out, since most libraries only carried reference materials for those who needed them. All books these days were either digital or hardback and the libraries didn't want to spend money on luxury items. Fortunately, I was able to register for a library account and checked out a book that looked interesting. A couple hours reading helped ease the boredom, and the hot sensation between my legs, yes my tingling had transformed into something more, could be relieved by keeping my legs open.

In the middle of reading, a chime suddenly sounded and words scrolled across my vision saying the HUD was finally operational. I bookmarked my page and investigated the HUD to see what was available to me. By concentrating, I could browse through a list of options which were: settings, map, vouchers and accounts, messages, and search. The time, date, and temperature were in the upper right hand corner.

I concentrated on the map function and a transparent screen appeared in front of me. It looked basic, but there was a terrain, and satellite feature. There was also a list of stores, fast food, and eateries I could visit, as well as closing times. I really needed a brush for my hair and there's a dollar store nearby, which was unfortunately closed. The key at the bottom listed the usual streets, water, parks, etc... as well as safe sleeping areas, which I needed to register once an evening. I was able to minimize the screen to the upper left corner which showed small circle and the direction I faced. It's weird, but I think I'll get used to it.

My vouchers and accounts options showed I had two left for the day, to be reset at midnight, $100 for my weekly stipend which capped at $400 dollars, and my library account which showed the book I checked out with the return date beside it.

I would wait to fiddle with the settings for later as I had two messages waiting for me.

'1 day has been added to your sentence for attempting to cover your genital region.'

'30 days have been added to your sentence for littering'

"What the hell?!" I yelled. "Thirty-one more days, that can't be right!" There was a tapping on my shoulder, which turned out to be the librarian, a new one this time apparently for her evening shift. "I'm going to have to ask you to leave." she told me. "I'm sorry, I'll be quiet." in a subdued voice, even though there was no one else her.

"Oh please, you being here is the most excitement I've had on this job in a while." replied the woman in her 40s. "But it's almost ten and we've been informed not to let your kind stay past or you could be punished. You can't enter until 7am either, not just here, but any building. Although we open at eight. Sorry, dear." Then she walked away.

The time in my HUD show 9:54pm. I shut the book and raced to restroom to do my business and washed my hands, looking at my naked self in the mirror. I paused in fear, tears starting to well up in my eyes. It finally hit me, sleeping naked outside and ****, left me shaking. I don't know how long I stood there staring at my nude body, but I finally snapped out of it and went outside.

Beep. Beep. The time showed 10:14pm.

I opened the new messages.

'Fourteen minutes past curfew, 14 days added to sentence'

'For failing to register sleeping location, you have been automatically registered at this location. You may not go 1,000ft beyond current point. 30 days added to sentence for failing to register'

Then only cried harder.